In his recent interview, Ismail Ekmekci, our Head of U.S. Private Equity Solutions, discusses his priorities for the year ahead, his vision for empowering fund managers with tailored, tech-driven solutions, and insights on key trends shaping the private equity landscape - from enhanced compliance to digital transformation.
Congratulations on joining Trident Trust as Head of U.S. Private Equity Solutions! What does this role mean to you, and what is your vision for the private equity team?
Thank you! I’m genuinely excited to take on this role, which aligns well with my background in alternative fund administration and my focus on driving client-focused innovation. Trident’s range of services - spanning Private Equity, Venture Capital, Private Credit, Real Estate, Digital Assets, Hedge Funds, and Hybrid Funds – gives me an incredible foundation to build on, underpinned by a commitment to operational excellence and to developing meaningful client solutions.
The private equity landscape is evolving rapidly, and I see tremendous potential for our team to make a real difference in how we support clients. With Trident’s presence across twelve fund domiciles, we can provide flexible and scalable solutions for both emerging and established managers. My goal is to leverage this global reach to enhance efficiencies, strengthen client relationships, helping our clients focus on achieving results.
As you transition into this position, what do you see as your main priorities, and how do you plan to leverage your experience to strengthen Trident’s private equity solutions?
Meeting clients where they need us most is my top priority, offering the tools and data they require to succeed. My experience in handling complex fund administration has taught me the importance of adaptability and responsiveness, and I intend to ensure that Trident’s solutions remain both agile and impactful.
By focusing on technology that supports efficient scaling, we can continue delivering a high-quality experience for clients, whether they are large funds or emerging managers. Trident’s comprehensive service suite equips clients with everything they need under one roof, and I am excited to refine these offerings further, helping clients stay competitive with the insights and resources they need to succeed.
With the private equity landscape continuously evolving, what trends do you see shaping the industry in the coming year, especially in compliance, technology, and investor expectations?
In the coming year, several key trends will continue to shape the private equity landscape:
- Increased Demand for Transparency and Reporting: With investors and regulators alike calling for more detailed disclosures, especially regarding ESG criteria, private equity firms will need robust data solutions. This aligns with Trident’s strength in delivering transparent, efficient reporting services. We see Data as our core competency and will continue to provide timely and complete data to our clients to ensure that they can run their business.
- Digital Transformation and Automation: We see Data as our core competency and will continue to provide timely and complete data to our clients to ensure that they can run their business. There is a noticeable shift towards automation in back-office processes. Technologies, such as AI-driven data analytics and robotic process automation, are reducing operational costs and improving scalability. Trident’s focus on leveraging technology can help clients navigate these changes smoothly.
- Enhanced Compliance: With regulations expanding, particularly in Europe and North America, compliance is now a top priority. PE firms increasingly seek service providers that can deliver end-to-end compliance support, from AML/KYC checks to regulatory reporting. I believe Trident’s expertise in these areas positions us well to support clients as these trends intensify.
Private equity managers face unique challenges today. Are there particular issues where Trident’s approach stands out as a solution?
Private equity is now recognized as a mainstream asset class, and with this rise, managers are under pressure to deliver results in a highly competitive space. Trident stands out in providing end-to-end fund administration, allowing managers to concentrate more on strategy. Our emphasis on tech and data transparency helps clients make informed, data-driven decisions, which is crucial in today’s market.
Compliance is another area where we excel. With deep expertise in regulations like FATCA, CRS, AIFMD, and AML, we help clients navigate this complex terrain with ease. Trident’s global reach also gives us a unique perspective: we combine international insights with local knowledge, supporting clients across jurisdictions and equipping them with the tools to succeed in a cross-border environment.
Looking forward, what excites you most about this opportunity with Trident Trust, and what goals do you have for the coming year?
I am most excited about the opportunity to lead innovation within a firm that truly values personalized service and operational excellence. Our global presence and talented team give us a strong foundation to deliver high-quality solutions for clients, wherever they are.
Over the next year, I am focused on enhancing the client experience, especially through digital channels like our investor portals and workflow automation, to make interactions smoother and more intuitive. Another goal is to deepen our client relationships by offering consultations that address both immediate needs and longer-term objectives. Ultimately, I want Trident to be the partner of choice for alternative managers who seek innovation and unmatched client service in an increasingly competitive landscape.